How Firm a Foundation

His talk was a great foundation to the conference

I analyzed President Uchtdorf’s talk on how people choose to not live the gospel, and how leaders and church members should help other church members stay strong in the gospel. While he made very good points in his talk, especially using the quilt story as an illustration on how the gospel is complicated, yet simple, I wanted to focus on the kairos of his talk.

We learned recently in class that when a speaker gives a talk is of vital importance. His talk was the very first talk in General Conference. The audience has not listened to any other speakers, and has just been edified by the musical numbers and prayer, and wants to be further edified. This gives a good prelude to President Uchtdof’s talk, and makes the audience ready to listen. Also, being the first talk, the audience is more inclined to listen and pay attention, rather than the last talk where they (the audience) may be tired or “talked” out.

I also want to point out that I was alone while watching/listening to this talk, so it seemed more personal to me. Nobody else was around to make comments or distract my thinking from the talk, so I was able to gain my own ideas and impressions from only me, and not branch off from another person’s idea or comment. Also, like I have just mentioned concerning the audience, I was edified by the musical numbers and opening prayer before the talk, so I was ready to listen and be attentive, not expecting anything because I have not listened to any talks yet.

I think that it takes a great speaker (they are all great, don’t get me wrong) to start off an eight-plus hour conference. That talk kicks off the rest of the talks, and prepares the audience’s mind for further speakers. I think President Uchtdorf’s talk was a great starter to conference.